Variable effects of captivity on microbiomes in populations of IUCN-endangered Blanding's turtles (Emydoidea blandingii).

This article focuses on how captivity influences the microbiome composition of the IUCN-endangered Blanding's turtle (Emydoidea blandingii), a freshwater species subject to headstarting conservation efforts. By sequencing bacterial communities from the turtles’ plastron (shell), cloaca, and associated water in both wild and captive settings, the study found significant differences in microbial diversity and composition between captive and wild turtles, as well as between captive facilities. External (plastron) and internal (cloaca) microbiomes differed markedly, with plastron microbiomes correlating with growth rates in captive juveniles, suggesting a potential link to fitness. The findings highlight challenges in replicating wild microbiomes in captivity and underscore the need for further research on microbiome dynamics to improve conservation headstarting practices.